Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Tucked between Trout Creek and the Truckee River running parallel to the Transcontinental Railway, Historic downtown Truckee is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. There are many businesses, shops and restaurants that have been around for years and others that are just starting to make their mark. Each unique building and storefront has it’s own story to tell. Let’s take a glance at the evolution of Truckee’s Historic downtown business district.

At the Bar of America, most people know that the clever name came from the original use of the building. Step inside and see if you can find the old teller windows and other hints of banking history.

Next along was a favorite for many, the Irish pub and restaurant, OB’s Board. Now divided into three spaces it houses the delicate cuisine of Restaurant Trokay, the jewels at Blue Stone and the chic clothing of Nomad Boutique. Tucked in the back of Bluestone, see if you can find an old oven that was part of a bakery that pre-dates OB’s.

Always a popular gathering spot, Pianeta Ristorante was once Truckee River Book and Tea followed by The Left Bank restaurant where a French chef brought Truckee residents new flavor well ahead of its time. Take a peek inside to see the technical details of the artwork from highly respected and talented local artist, Pam Krone, on the walls and ceilings. Where once the locals shopped for every imaginable tool, nail, lightbulb and paint color, now you can find every pot, pan, spatula and teapot. The very popular Roberts Hardware is now the Cooking Gallery. Tahoe Mountain Realty, formerly Tahoe Mountain Resorts Real Estate occupied present day Riverside Studios. At the forefront of the resort community development, this was a beautiful showroom sharing the beginnings of what has now become the some of the most sought after properties in the North Lake Tahoe area. TMR now occupies the Icon building at Northstar and 2 other Truckee locations.Stay tuned for more on looking back on how historic Truckee has grown, changed and become the charming commercial row that we know and love today.

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Winter Wondergrass is a fun filled 3 day weekend packed with live music, craft beer and good vibes. Located at the base of Squaw Valley, there will be an outdoor main stage and two heated side stages. The headlining bands, Railroad Earth and Greensky Bluegrass, along with The Lil’ Smokies and many more throughout the weekend will keep the dance floor packed. Need a break from all that dancing? Sit back and enjoy beer sampling from over 16 California breweries. Local food vendors will be serving up everything from vegetarian fare to BBQ. This is not only for adults, there is a kid tent that will have face painting, hula hooping and an ongoing dance party.

Some fun additions this year include the Tram to Table dinner and Late Night or Grass or After Dark. Tram to Table includes a live band in each tram for the trip up to High Camp for cocktail hour and a locally sourced family meal with more live music. Truly a unique experience. Grass After Dark is providing small venues with more bluegrass into the night both at Squaw Valley and Tahoe City.

Now in it’s second year, Winter Wondergrass has a heavy emphasis on sustainability and zero waste along with supporting local non profits. This was a sold out event last year and just keeps getting better. Mix and match the events or participate in the whole weekend but get your tickets now! www.winterwondergrasstahoe.com

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Conditions are perfect for a visit to the Nordic Ski Center with all the freshly fallen snow and sunshine in the forecast this week. There are many options now offered beyond cross country skiing including snowshoeing, fat tire bikes and relaxing day lodges. Unlike the alpine ski areas with the lines, lifts and a fast thrill downhill, at the Nordic center you will find peaceful moments alone in the quiet forest and enjoy a great workout.

Northstar Cross Country, Telemark + Snowshoe CenterLocated at mid-mountain, the 35 kilometers of trail provide almost endless options for a great day. My favorite is the Tahoe Trail that takes you up the mountain​ to a breathtaking vista of Lake Tahoe. Another fun challenge is to find the Caboose Hut where you can take a water or hot cocoa break inside a real train car.

Tahoe Donner Cross CountryTahoe Donner just opened the new Alder Creek Adventure Center, home of the day lodge at the Nordic Center. This gives visitors and those not skiing a warm comfortable place to relax. Fresh food options, premium beers and wines at the bar, a wood burning fireplace inside and open fire pits outside are all part of this new facility. Don’t get too comfortable because there are 100 kilometers of trail out there to explore on your skis, snowshoes or fat tire bike. There are even some dog friendly trails.

Royal GorgeRoyal Gorge is North America’s largest cross country skiing resort. With over 200 kilometers of trail located on Donner Summit. This place really is magical as you could get lost in all the beauty and have more to explore each time you visit.

Tahoe Cross CountryTahoe XC is a nonprofit resort whose mission is the promote the sport of cross country skiing through educational activities for children and adults. Only a few miles off the shores of Lake Tahoe, this home town resort has 65 kilometers of trails that lead to great lake views. Also a good place to bring your dog with designated dog friendly areas.

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

The narrative surrounding real estate in the Tahoe-Truckee resort market this winter has closely mirrored the ski season itself. As the first indications of a strong winter became evident, a flurry of activity beset the region. These transactions were largely consumers having expressed interest in the past who needed a vote of confidence from Mother Nature to make a final purchasing decision.

As the snow continued through the holidays, the region saw a remarkably steady flow of visitors who reengaged with the sport and the region in a way that reinvigorated a curiosity for making a more permanent home in the mountains. This activity begat results for February that built upon an already steady start to the year with 91 total transactions, up 7% from the previous month and 23% year over year. More notably, the constitution of these transactions was decidedly upscale as average price leapt 23% from February, 2015 to $972,000. Notable among these include 5 Martis Camp homes at an average price of $6,860,000 including a transaction over $7 million by Tahoe Mountain Realty, the second largest transaction ever recorded in that community. Additionally, Northstar’s resurgence included the second consecutive month with a transaction from TMR greater than $3,000,000 in Big Springs as well as three other premium sales.

Yet February brought warm temperatures and easy traveling allowing an even greater number of guests to experience an exceptional winter season under ideal weather conditions. Like the winter, now poised to reestablish snow levels through an impending atmospheric river, the real estate market appears ready to launch to even greater heights. With 46 sales currently pending above $1,000,000 communities including Martis Camp with 7 sales currently pending at $4,800,000 average and Northstar Mountainside with 3 sales pending at over $10,000,000 total volume, near term success appears as abundant as snowfall.

In general, the market remains vibrant and optimistic but has not yet hit its full potential. The second wave of winter will come just in time to inspire consumers to visit under the best possible circumstances to inspire a visit to our showroom.

A timeless sport for all ages, there is nothing like the thrill of sledding. Any hill, snow pile or mountain will do but there are some resorts that are now providing luxury sledding. Plush snow tubes, groomed tracks and in some cases, a mechanical tow to get you back to the top for another run are just some of the benefits resorts are offering to sledders and tubers. In the Tahoe area, there are a handful of really fun options to try. With snow in the forecast for the next couple weeks, there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy the fresh powder on the slopes and in a sled alike.

NorthstarLocated at mid-mountain, this 200 yard manicured snow tube roller coaster is complete with a tow lift back to the top.

Tahoe DonnerTahoe Donner’s Snowplay area providers sledding and tubing equipment for fun on their masterfully crafted hill. Also check out some of their special events like night tubing under the lights, snowman making or snow tube bowling.

Boreal (http://www.rideboreal.com/winter/events_and_activities/playland-tubing) Playland Tubing at Boreal Mountain Resort is has 2 moving carpets to get you to the top for more exhilarating rides down the groomed tubing lanes.

Squaw ValleySnoVentures Activity Zone at the base (far end of parking lot) of Squaw Valley is easily accessible for tubing and also offers a mini-snowmobile track for the kids.

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

The highly anticipated North Lake Tahoe SnowFest begins this Thursday, March 3rd and runs through Sunday, March 13th. This year marks the 35th anniversary of SnowFest, and the theme is "SnowFest - Through the Years".

Since 1982, the North Lake Tahoe area has been celebrating winter with 10 days and nights of activities and events. Each day is packed with a variety of options including food, music, and lively winter competitions such as Human Bowling, the Polar Bear Swim, Dress up your Dog contest, and snow sculpting. The ski resorts including Squaw Valley, Homewood, Alpine Meadows, Diamond Peak, and Northstar all host on-mountain events. Many local shops and restaurants participate as well with specials, wine, and dining options in conjunction with SnowFest.

The best way to keep track of the action packed SnowFest is to pay attention to the online calendar of events. There is no shortage of things to do, particularly on the weekends. This Saturday, March 5th the official SnowFest parade will start at 11:30 in Tahoe City followed by the classic Gar Woods Polar Bear Swim at 2:30. A fireworks show closes out the day at 7PM.

With a lot of snow in the forecast, the 35th annual SnowFest will surely be one to remember.